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Prepare for a Flood

There are some areas in East Herts which are liable to flooding. There are several things you can do to be prepared for a flood.

Severe weather warnings

The Met Office provides a wide range of forecasts and warnings to help you make informed decisions about your day to day activities. They also warn the public and emergency responders of severe or hazardous weather which has the potential to cause danger to life or widespread disruption through our National Severe Weather Warning Service. You can find a map of national weather warning on the Met Office website.

Sandbags

The responsibility to protect your property is that of the occupant. East Herts Council's policy is not to supply sandbags. You need to go to a builder's merchant or large DIY store to obtain material for sandbags. For information on the use of sandbags view the Environment Agency leaflet Sandbags and how to use them properly for flood protection [388KB].

If you are at risk of being flooded, you might want to consider keeping some empty sandbags and sand or earth ready for use at the first sign of trouble.

Staying Safe in a Flood

There are a number of things you can do before a flood to help keep you safe.

Prepare and keep a list of all your important contacts to hand or save them on your mobile phone

Prepare a flood kit of essential items and keep it handy. It can include copies of important documents, a torch, a battery-powered or wind-up radio, blankets and warm clothing, waterproofs, rubber gloves and a first aid kit including all essential medication.

Think about what items you can move now and what you would want to move to safety during a flood such as pets, cars, furniture, and electrical equipment

Find out how to turn off water, gas and electricity supplies.

Consider buying flood protection products such as flood boards and airbrick covers to help reduce flood water getting into your property.